Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 March 2011
The deformation of Au nanowires of helical multi-shell (HMS) structures and the fcc structure under a tensile external force is addressed by molecular-dynamics simulation. The modified embedded-atom method (MEAM) potential is employed for calculating the interaction between Au atoms. At first, a model nanowire is equilibrated at a specified temperature. Next, the external force in the axial direction is imposed on the Au atoms at the ends of the nanowire. We conclude that the Young modulus of a Au nanowire depends on its atomic structure.